🎵 Audio guide
The Orange Tree Trail (Sendero de los Naranjos) passes through the small valley formed by the Lágina stream as it flows out of the village, towards the Acebo River. The fertile soil and the presence of water in this area have led to a preponderance of orange trees, a characteristic of the village. Due to a uniquely suitable climate which provides ideal conditions for the cultivation of orange trees this has become part of the culture of Acebo.
This cultivation started in the Roman era but it was the presence of the Moors and their implementation of irrigation systems by means of pipes and channels that led to the widespread expansion of orange cultivation in Acebo.
There are many varieties of orange grown in Acebo: Ordinarias (“ordinary”), Limas (limes), Malaguesa (from Malaga), Sangre (blood oranges), Simienti (used as root stock on which to graft the desired variety) and others such as Moñito, Guasi, Petroleo and Uñita. Oranges have always been grown principally as a cash crop, but they are also consumed by the people of Acebo, often as the main ingredient of an orange salad, a dish typical of Sierra de Gata (in Acebo known as mojeteo) or made into jam.
An Orange Fair (Fiesta de la Naranja) takes place every year. There are workshops, a craft market and a tapas tour, where the bars and restaurants of the village prepare special tapas using oranges as the star ingredient.
The beginning of the walking trail passes through fruit and vegetable gardens on the outskirts of the village in which the aforementioned orange trees abound. In springtime, the air is full of the sweet scent of orange blossom and the stars of the colour palette are green, white and orange.
As we continue along the trail, olive trees become more apparent, situated on higher ground. Olives are one of the main crops of the Sierra de Gata and ruins of ancient olive mills, where oil was extracted, can be found throughout the area.
The orchards gradually give way to pine and oak trees, interspersed with areas of brush and scrubland comprising rockrose, heather, lavender and a wide variety of vegetation lending the trail a heavenly mix of scents. From here, it’s possible to catch a glimpse of the riverside forest and once we reach the Acebo river, its burbling murmur becomes a constant companion. We find ourselves in a pleasant spot to rest, cool down and enjoy the peaceful sounds of the river and its surroundings.
From here we start our journey back towards the village on the opposite bank of the river, crossing the bridge which gives access to the other side of the valley. This area is dominated by oak trees, with some scrubland and pine trees interspersed.
As Acebo comes into view the trail crosses various streams and once again the predominant feature of the landscape are orange orchards.
It’s worth taking a moment to appreciate the beauty of the valley with the village of Acebo against the backdrop of Mount Jálama, a truly picture perfect scene.
As Acebo comes into view the trail crosses various streams and once again the predominant feature of the landscape are orange orchards.
It is worth taking a moment to appreciate the beauty of the valley with the village of Acebo against the backdrop of Mount Jalama, a truly picture perfect scene.